Interview: Physical 3-Star 2022 Arkansas OL Tederian Blair is a Versatile Asset in the Trenches
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The coaches at Gosnell High School can rest easy every night with No. 78 on the roster. Tederian Blair (6-4, 305) is that enforcer along the offensive line opening holes for his running backs while keeping his quarterback’s jersey Tide fresh. No matter the defensive matchup the Pirates may face, Blair is capable of going into the trenches at center, guard, and/or tackle to neutralize defenders with a nastiness that college coaches love to see. His work as a sophomore against Arkansas 4A defenses brought three-star recruiting status and an offer from the Kansas Jayhawks with other Division I programs taking notice. As the Pirates (1-2) march through the 2020 schedule, that offer is sure to attract some friends.
In an RNG initial interview, Blair took time out from his workouts and studies to update us on his junior campaign thus far with a look at his recruiting process.
Interview
Tederian, as an offensive lineman, you are about as physical as it gets in the trenches. What lights that spark for you wanting to dominate defenders the way you do?
What lights that spark is my running back. I want him to do well.
Playing right guard for the Pirates a year ago, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
My real strengths were washing down and base blocking.
Throughout the offseason, what did you work on with your pass-pro and run blocking?
With my run blocking, I worked on my first step, that burst, and with my pass-pro I worked on picking up linebacker and different stunts.
Going into the weight room. Did you get to max out this offseason?
Yes, sir. I got 315 on bench, 495 on squat, 565 on deadlift, and 245 on my power clean. I updated a few of my lifts.
Where all are you playing on the field this season?
I’ve played guard and center, will play tackle in conference. I play the whole offensive line.
Are you playing in the defensive trenches this season?
If they need me, I have no problem playing defense.
What style of offense are you guys running this season?
We run a Spread.
The Pirates are three games into the 2020 season, with those games played where are you seeing the improvements in all that you do as an offensive lineman?
I am showing improvement in my pass-pro, it has improved a lot, and my physicality.
What are some of the aspects to your game you will continue to work on throughout the season?
Throughout the season I will keep working on pass-pro and run blocking. I will work on getting to the right person and having correct hand-placement.
A non-conference game against Rison (1-1) is next on the schedule. What kind of game will the Wildcats give you guys?
That game was cancelled. We are now going into conference play next week.
Sorry to hear that game was cancelled.
Thank you.
What are some of the other big games coming up for the Pirates, especially with conference games set to begin?
Our first conference game against Highland, that is a great way to open up in conference. Pocahontas, that is a tough game.
Before we wrap, let’s talk about recruiting. Which schools are watching you but have not offered yet?
Arkansas is showing a lot of interest. I have others showing interest but I can’t think of all them right now. I am getting a lot of love, and Arkansas is the one leading that pack.
You received your first offer from Kansas, what was it like for you getting that offer?
Coming from a small town, it was a blessing from God. Coming from my town, it was a blessing.
Looking on down the line, are there any visits you’d like to take when the opportunity arises?
As of right now, I’d like to visit Kansas, they were my first offer. I want to see what it is like up there and I want to visit Arkansas.
Tederian, it was great getting time in with you today. Good luck next time out against Highland.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Blair family; Tederian Blair